Cumann Cloch Bán GAA Club Ethics

Cumann Cloch Bán CLG

'Code of Best Practice for Youth Sport'

Click below for:

Club Policy Statement	Core Values	Allegations of abuse against club personnel in Cumann Cloch Bán
Code of Conduct	Unacceptable behaviour on club premises	Guidelines for dealing with allegations of abuse
Guidelines for parents/guardians	Guidelines for players	Response to a child reporting any form of abuse
Guidelines for managers, coaches and assistants	Discipline	Responding to disclosure, suspicions and allegations
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael – general guidelines	Travelling with children	Reporting Child Abuse
Dealing with Drugs misuse/substance abuse		Child Care Manager contact for Co. Wexford *

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POLICY STATEMENT

Cumann Cloch Bán CLG is fully committed to safeguarding the well-being of its members. Every individual in the club should at all times show respect and understanding for members’ rights, safety and welfare. Our members should conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of Cumann Cloch Bán as outlined in the Constitution and the guidelines contained in the code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport in Ireland.

CODE OF CONDUCT

The guidance given in this code of conduct is based on the principles set out in the following publications:

-Code of Best Practice for Youth Sport (Cumann Lúthcleas Gael)

-'Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport' (Irish Sports Council)

-‘Guidelines for dealing with Allegations of Abuse’ (3rd Edition, Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, April 2005)

-'Children First', National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children (Department of Health and Children, Sept. 1999)

Code of Conduct while in Complex Building or on club Pitches

Misuse of facilities will be deemed as vandalism
Dressing rooms should be left in good condition - at least as clean as they were found
All belongings should be removed from dressing rooms prior to the last person leaving (player/mentor)
No litter should be disposed of in the building or on pitches. If bins are not provided bring litter home for disposal e.g. drinking bottles, wrappings, used bandages, shampoo containers, soaps etc..etc..
All club property to be treated with the utmost respect e.g. jerseys, balls, etc.
Smoking is prohibited in the whole building and playing ball is not allowed in all dressing room/shower areas for health and safety reasons.
Vehicles are prohibited from driving on pitches unless special permission granted by committee.
Entry by unauthorised persons (including young lads) to dressing room/shower areas, when being used by Camogie players, is a violation of club rules. Likewise entry to dressing rooms/showers by girls, when hurling/football players are using facilities, is not allowed.
All the above applies when playing away from home or representing the club in any aspect.

The aim of this code is to promote good practice by everyone involved in Cumann Cloch Bán and to provide a safe, healthy, enjoyable environment for young members.

CORE VALUES

Integrity

-Adults interacting with young people should do so with integrity and respect for the young person.

-All adult actions in the game should be guided by what is best for the child and in the context of quality, open working relationships.

-Verbal, physical, emotional or sexual abuse of any kind is unacceptable within Cumann Cloch Bán.

Fair Play

All young people's involvement in sport should be conducted in an atmosphere of fair play ('Fair Play' is defined in the European Code of Sports Ethics as "... much more than playing within the rules. It incorporates the concepts of friendship, respect for others and always playing in the right spirit.")

Quality Atmosphere and Ethos

-The atmosphere in Cumann Cloch Bán should always be safe, positive and encouraging.

-Competitiveness and specialisation should be appropriate and carefully managed.

-Excessive levels of pressure and demands should not be placed on young players. (There is evidence to suggest a link between excessive pressure and high levels of drop-out from the game)

Equality

All young people in Cumann Cloch Bán should be treated in an equitable and fair manner. Children with disability should be involved in an integrated way, thus allowing them to participate to their potential alongside other players.

GUIDELINES FOR PLAYERS

Cumann Cloch Bán wishes to provide the best possible environment for all it's young members involved in the game. They deserve to be given enjoyable, safe sporting opportunities, free from abuse of any kind. Our players have:

-rights which must be respected, and

-responsibilities which they must accept.

Young players are entitled:

-to be treated with dignity and respect

-to be safe

-to be happy, have fun and experience fullfilment (who wants to be a sub or be taken off every day?)

-to get help against bullies

-to be listened to

-to be believed

-to say No

-to protect their own bodies

-to refuse inappropriate touches

Young players should always:

-treat all coaches, managers, club organisers and officials with respect

-play fairly, do their best and enjoy themselves

-shake hands before and after each game

-respect their opponents

-abide by the rules set down by team managers

-behave in a manner that avoids bringing the name of Cumann Cloch Bán or the game itself into disrepute

-be conscious that not all players have the same levels of skill and abilities

Young players should never:

-cheat or use unfair or bullying tactics to gain advantage on or off the pitch

-use bullying tactics to isolate another player

-shout at or argue with an official

-make false allegations against another player or adult in the club

-spread rumours

GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS

Cumann Cloch Bán is committed to providing a safe and fair environment for our young players. Our first priority is the welfare of our members and we are committed to providing an environment, free from bullying and intimidation.

Parents/Guardians should:

-maintain the highest standards of conduct when interacting with other children, young people, other parents/guardians and club managers, officials and organisers.

-encourage your child to play by the rules.

-behave responsibly on the sidelines and don’t seek to unfairly affect the game.

-not expose any player, intentionally or unintentionally, to embarrassment or disparagement by the use of flippant or sarcastic remarks.

-always recognise the value and importance of the volunteers who provide sporting/recreational opportunities for your child.

-respect referees, coaches, organisers and other players

-not publicly question the judgement or honesty of referees, managers, coaches or organisers

-teach your child that honest endeavour is as important as winning and do all one can to encourage good sportsmanship.

-set a good example by applauding good play on both sides

-encourage mutual respect for team-mates and opponents

Parents should support all efforts to remove abusive and bullying behaviour in all its forms:

Player to Player - includes inappropriate physical aggression, verbal bullying, intimidation or isolation.

Adult to Player - includes the use of repeated gestures or expressions of a threatening or intimidatory nature, or any comment intended to degrade the player.

Adult to Adult - includes verbal aggression towards other adults.

Player to Adult - includes repeated gestures or expressions of a threatening or intimidatory nature by an individual player or a group of players.

GUIDELINES FOR MANAGERS, COACHES and ASSISTANTS

Cumann Cloch Bán recognises the key role of mentors, coaches, managers, club organisers in the lives of its members.

All mentors, coaches, managers and assistants should have as their first priority the young person's safety and enjoyment of the game. They must respect the rights, dignity and worth of every child and must treat everyone equally, regardless of sex, ability, ethnic origin or age.

Cumann Cloch Bán will take all reasonable steps to ensure that people working with our young players are suitable. They must agree to abide by the 'Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children' Sport' and to the policies, rules of Cumann Cloch Bán.

Guidelines:

-avoid unnecessary physical contact apart from the normal coaching, technical area, the congratulatory or consoling 'hug' - always in full view of others.

-in situations where a player is spoken to on a ' one to one' basis by any member of the club, make sure that this takes place in view or earshot of others (on/off the pitch, in changing rooms, in club house)

-do not have a situation where you are alone in a car or dressing room with a player.

-a coach/mentor of teams under the age of 18 has a duty of care, which is more onerous than that of a coach to an adult team

-a coach/mentor must act as a role model and promote the positive aspects of the game and maintain the highest standards of personal conduct.

-never use foul language or gestures to a player or match official. Do not encroach on pitch without referee's permission and don't question ref's decisions or integrity.

-actively discourage the use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco as they are incompatible with a healthy approach to the game.

-avoid sending messages - voice/text/email - to players. Should be directed to parents/guardians only.

-avoid any inappropriate touching when assisting players to perform a technique or when administering First Aid. Keep record of all injuries and ensure that another official - referee/team mentor - is present when a player is being attended to.

-do not take coaching sessions on your own.

-the behaviour of the coach/mentor to players, other adults in the club and opponents will have an effect on the players in your care

-be generous with praise and never ridicule a player(s) for making mistakes or losing a game

-be careful to avoid the 'star system'; each child deserves equal time and attention

-care must be taken not to expose a player to embarrassment or disparagement by the use of sarcastic or flippant remarks.

-physical force must never be used.

-never punish a mistake by verbal means, physical means or exclusion.

-insist that the players in your care respect the rules of the game. Insist on fair play and ensure that your players know that you will not tolerate cheating or bullying behaviour.

-remember that young players play for fun and enjoyment. The enjoyment of the game and the overall development of each young person is the main priority of Cumann Cloch Bán.

-never make winning the only objective

-encourage the development of respect for opponents and officials

-coaches are responsible for setting and monitoring the boundaries between a working relationship and friendship with players.

-set realistic goals for the team and for individual players

-record attendance at all training sessions; be very conscious of the player who consistently turns up for training and 'does not get his/her game'.

-ensure players are safely attired

-ensure each player observes a high standard of personal hygiene.

-ensure your team's dressing rooms and showers are kept clean and not damaged in any way at all times

DISCIPLINE

-if behavioural problems arise and a young player has to be disciplined, keep a brief record of the problem, the action taken and the outcome.

-at the first meeting of the panel under your care be firm and clear about behaviour that is acceptable and unacceptable according to the club rules.

-explain clearly, and in language appropriate to the age group, the code of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour of the club

-explain clearly the sanctions that will be imposed for breaches of conduct and impose such sanctions, when necessary. (Young people learn very quickly the 'rules' that can easily be broken).

-players with high levels of skill and ability must always be subject to the club's code of discipline and sanctions, even if the team, as a whole, may be weakened.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN

Cumann Cloch Bán recognises the extra responsibilities taken on by mentors, coaches and assistants when they travel with children to away fixtures. This responsibility is even more onerous when overnight stays are involved.

Cars used to transport players:

-ensure that there is adequate insurance cover; and be careful not to carry more than the permitted number of passengers.

-where possible, avoid being alone with one player

-casual comments to a young player can be open to misconstruction.

Overnight / residential events:

-adults should not enter a player's room without first knocking.

-all group socialisation should take place in communal areas.

-alcoholic drinks, smoking and other illegal substances are forbidden to players

-the behaviour of the group should at all times be such that the good name of Cumann Cloch Bán be upheld.

-there must be at least one authorised adult of each gender with a mixed group.

-parents and young players must sign an agreement that rules laid down be abided by.

GUIDELINES FOR DEALING WITH ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE

Cumann Lúthchleas Gael recognises that it has responsibility to:

- safeguard and promote the interests and well being of all those under 18 years who are involved in its activities.

- take all reasonable steps to protect them from harm, discrimination or degrading treatment.

- respect their rights, wishes and feelings.

The following principles apply:

- the child's welfare is always paramount

- all children, whatever their age. have a right to protection from abuse.

- all suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously, responded to swiftly and appropriately.

(Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, March 2001)

Child Abuse is generally divided into four categories which have been defined by the Department of Health and Children:

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse occurs when a child is used by another person for gratification / sexual arousal or for that of others.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is any form of non accidental injury which results from wilful or neglectful failure to protect a child.

This excludes injury resultant from participation in the Association's sports activities, which are essentially physical contact activities.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse occurs when a child's need for security are not met. Examples include persistent criticism, sarcasm, hostility, blaming; where the level of care is conditional on behaviour; inconsistent or unrealistic expectations of the child.

Neglect

Neglect occurs where the child suffers significant harm or impairment of development by being deprived of food, clothing, warmth, supervision and safety.

CUMANN LÚTHCHLEAS GAEL - GENERAL GUIDELINES

Cumann Lúthchleas Gael recognises that responsibility for investigation of child abuse, suspected or otherwise, lies with the Garda Síochána and the Health Board.

"Everyone must be alert to the possibility that Children with whom they are in contact may be being abused. Concerns should be reported to the Health Boards….It is also a responsibility for staff or volunteers in sport clubs, youth clubs,…. and other organisations catering for children."

The guiding principles in regard to reporting child abuse may be summarised as follows:

" -the safety and well being of the child or young person must take priority

-reports should be made without delay to the Health Board.

-while the basis for concern must be established as comprehensively as possible, children or parents should not be interviewed in detail about the suspected abuse."

(Children First - National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of children, Sept. 1999)

"Each club/sports organisation should have agreed procedures to be followed in cases of alleged child abuse again Sports Leaders….. in the event that the concern is connected to the actions of a Sports Leader in the club, the Sports leader involved in the concern should be asked to stand aside pending the outcome of any investigation by the Statutory Authorities" (Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport, June 2000)

(refer to Cumann Lúthchleas Gael - Appendix 3, page 23)

RESPONDING TO DISCLOSURE, SUSPICION AND ALLEGATIONS

Cumann Cloch Bán accepts that organisations, which include children as members, are vulnerable to the occurrence of child abuse and therefore there is a need for policies and procedures to deal with this issue. The safety of young people is everyone's responsibility.

False allegations of abuse can occur. However, if a young person says or indicates that he/she is being abused or information is obtained which gives concern that a young person is being abused, the club should react immediately.

The Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act, 1998, provides immunity from civil liability to persons who report abuse "reasonably and in good faith" to the Health Board or the Gardai. This Act also covers the offence of “false reporting".

All involved adults, children and parents/guardians 'should be aware of how to report and to whom concerns should be reported, within the club. Everyone involved in child protection matters should be aware of their responsibility to work in co-operation with the statutory child protection authorities.

The term 'Sports Leader' means all adults, in a paid or voluntary capacity e.g. club mentors, managers, helpers, officials.

RESPONSE TO A CHILD REPORTING ANY FORM OF ABUSE

The following actions should be taken:

- react calmly

- listen compassionately and carefully; keep the questions to an absolute minimum, facilitating the child to tell about the problem

- take what the child is saying seriously; the child has decided to tell about something very important and has taken a risk to do so.

- reassure the child

- if the nature of what the child is saying is unclear, use open, non specific questions such as "Can you explain to me what you meant by that?"

- the child should be given some indication of what happens next; informing parents/guardians, Health Boards, Social Services. (The child may have been threatened and may feel vulnerable)

- carefully record the details

The following actions should be avoided:

- do not make promises of confidentiality- it may not be possible to keep that promise

- do not make a judgement or make negative comments about the alleged abuser.

- do not speculate or make assumptions

- do not interview the child; do not probe for more information than is offered

- do not approach the alleged abuser

- do not allow your shock or distaste to show

REPORTING CHILD ABUSE

It is not the responsibility of anyone involved in Cumann Cloch Bán to decide whether or not child abuse is taking place.

However, there is a responsibility to protect the child in order that appropriate agencies can then make enquiries and take any necessary action to protect the young person.

Actions to take:

-observe and note dates, times, locations and contexts in which the incident occurred or suspicion was aroused, together with any other relevant information.

-report the matter as soon as possible to the person designated for reporting abuse (the senior club official: the chairperson). If the chairperson has reasonable grounds for believing that the child has been abused or is at risk, s/he will make a report to the Health Board/Social Services who have statutory responsibility to investigate.

-in cases of emergency where a child appears to be at immediate and serious risk then the designated club person, if unable to contact a social worker, should inform the Gardaí. Under no circumstances should a child be left in a dangerous situation pending intervention by the Statutory Authority. Make a record of the report.

-The designated person reporting suspected or actual child abuse to the Statutory Authorities should first inform the parents/guardian of their intention to make such a report, unless doing so would endanger the child or undermine an investigation.

-The designated person should make personal contact with the Statutory Authorities in person or by phone, and in writing.

* The Area Child Care Manager in the Community Care Area of Co. Wexford is Community Care Centre, Grogan's Road, Wexford 053 23522

ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE AGAINST CLUB PERSONNEL IN CUMANN CLOCH BÁN

If allegations of child abuse by club personnel are made, either of two procedures should be followed:

-the reporting procedure as outlined above in 'REPORTING CHILD ABUSE'

-the procedure outlined below

If a member of Cumann Cloch Bán is the subject of concern s/he should be treated with respect and fairness.

Steps to be taken within the Organisation:

Where reasonable grounds for concern exist the following steps should be taken by the club:

-advice should be sought from the local health board/social services with regard to any action by the club deemed necessary to protect he child who may be at risk

-the 'Sports Leader' involved should be asked to stand aside pending the outcome of any investigation by the Statutory Authorities. This task should be undertaken by an appointed committee member other than the chairperson who takes the responsibility for reporting the alleged incident(s).

-the' Sports Leader' should be informed, in private, that an allegation has been made against him/her and given the details of the nature of the allegation.

-s/he should be afforded an opportunity to respond and the response noted and passed on to the health board/social services personnel

All persons involved in a child protection process (the child, his/her parents/guardians, the alleged offender, his/her family) should be afforded appropriate fairness, support and confidentiality at all stages of the procedure

Confidentiality

-every effort should be made to ensure that confidentiality is maintained for all concerned

-information should be handled and disseminated on a 'need to know' basis only

-information should be stored in a secure place, with limited access to designated people

-the requirements of the Data Protection Laws should be adhered to

-breach of confidentiality within Cumann Cloch Bán is considered to be a very serious matter

Anonymous Complaints

Anonymous complaints can be difficult to deal with but should not be ignored. Complaints relating to inappropriate behaviour should be brought to the attention of the Chairperson. The information should be checked and handled in a confidential manner.

Rumours

Rumours should not be allowed to 'hang in the air'. Any rumour relating to inappropriate behaviour should be brought to the attention of the Chairperson and checked out without delay.

Cumann Lúthchleas Gael:

A Central Review Committee (CRC), comprising four designated members of Central Council, will review all complaints against members of the Association following the outcome of the investigations of the statutory authorities. In all cases the Association will take its own decision having due regard to the outcome of the Garda Síochána/Health Board investigation(s).

Drugs Misuse/Substance Abuse

The possession, use, supply or presenting under the influence of, alcohol, or illicit drugs are viewed as unnacceptable by CLG.

Suspected, alleged or confirmed incidents in breach of this policy must be referred to the Chairman of the club. He/she will inform the Executive who will decide on the appropriate response.

Reported incidents will be recorded. Only in confirmed cases will names be recorded. Responses of Executive will be recorded also.

Confidentiality will be respected but may not be possible to guarantee.

Sanctions: The following may apply-

No action taken
Contact with parents/guardians. they will be informed of the course of action to be taken
Referral to an appropriate support agency
Appropriate disciplinary action to be taken by the club
Notifying the Gardai (in suspected cases of supplying of illegal drugs)

Two officials/mentors of Cumann Cloch Bán must be present if any form of search for an illegal substance is being conducted on club premises but Gardai must be called in to search suspect(s) if they refuse to volunteer the substance.